Wanderlust, a strong desire or irresistible impulse to travel, is the new condition which an increasing number of people seem to be suffering from. While some are conquering their wanderlust by venturing out into the world, there are many others who still believe the popular myth that travel is reserved for the wealthy.
Truth is, more people of all income levels are making travel a priority and the industry has adapted accordingly by making travel more accessible to all.
When creating a list of potential travel costs, accommodation can easily take up the majority of your budget. Luckily, there are many alternatives to the traditional hotel. Here’s 3 to consider:
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Couchsurfing: Feeling adventurous? Explore the world in a more authentic way by staying with a local. You don’t have to pay for lodging, but it is common practice to bring a small gift of appreciation for your host.
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Hostels: The U.S. has been slow to embrace hostels (perhaps the 2005 American horror film ‘Hostel’ is partially to blame for that?), but they are a popular choice for budget-travelers in other parts of the world. If you’re open to dormitory-style accommodation with shared facilities, hostels provide inexpensive lodging and an opportunity to meet like-minded travelers from around the world.
For example, The RomeHello Hostel, in Rome, Italy currently has nightly rates as low as $25. Hostel prices vary depending on country, season, and the number of people in your room (the more, the cheaper!).
Concerned about safety and security? Most hostels offer lockers, 24/7 reception, gender-specific rooms, and even private rooms. Just do your research ahead of time!
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Apartment/Home Rentals: The vacation rental industry continues to expand rapidly as companies like AirBnB provide travelers access to unique homes and experiences around the world. You can enjoy the comfort and privacy of an entire property when traveling with a group or rent a room for yourself as a cheaper alternative. You can typically find something to suit every budget.
THE BOTTOM LINE:
Travel accommodation does not have to take up most of your vacation budget. If you’re open to alternatives such as room-sharing or are willing to forego some conveniences such as a bellhop, more of your budget can be spent on dining, entertainment, and sightseeing instead.
Next time you plan a trip, instead of skimming through hotel deals, check out the alternatives we mentioned and do a cost comparison.
If you have a bad case of wanderlust, why not consider a different way of travel?
Disclaimer: This is NOT a promoted post. Capital Benchmark Partners, LLC (“CBP”) is not compensated for mentioning or recommending any third-party vendors or other organizations. If they are mentioned, it is strictly based off CBP’s independent research.
